Ojomoh Provides Champagne Highlight for English Side to Signify Arrival on Grand Platform.
This marks a curious feature of the English team's November perfect record that there were no debutants earned their international debut during the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a future star.
Star Display in Tight Victory
Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's least convincing performance of the autumn. He finished off the first try before creating the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for England's third try was just as eye-catching, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.
He has the kind of triple threat that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.
Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities
It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team previously, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when England reconvene to start their Six Nations campaign in the new year.
- Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and centre.
- Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
- Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.
Squad Context and Wider Significance
How would the team have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.
A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast England for their failure to inject much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the first time since 2016. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.
Player Pool and Future Planning
The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few existing players of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.
That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the difficult start that plagued the team in the past.
Depth charts seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of England's substitutes. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.